Problems switching from XP32 to XP64?

[Vic Baron]

Running Xp x32 SP3 and thinking of switching to 64 bit version. Are there
any things that I should watch out for that could cause trouble?

Can I do an inplace upgrade or is a format/install/reinstallapplications in
order?

Currently running Q9650 CPU Corsair DDR3 2x2G ram GTX 280 Video card on a
Rampage Extreme X48 mobo using a Brother HL2020 printer.

Any hardware issues with that list?

I am aware of the benefits of the 64 bit systems just curious about
potential problems.

Thanx

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Running Xp x32 SP3 and thinking of switching to 64 bit version. Are there
any things that I should watch out for that could cause trouble?

You should make sure the 64-bit XP drivers exist for all your
components and all your peripheral devices.

Can I do an inplace upgrade or is a format/install/reinstallapplications in
order?

The latter. You can not upgrade.

Currently running Q9650 CPU Corsair DDR3 2x2G ram GTX 280 Video card on a
Rampage Extreme X48 mobo using a Brother HL2020 printer.

Any hardware issues with that list?

I don't know whether a 64-bit XP driver for your printer exists. Check
with Brother to be sure.

I am aware of the benefits of the 64 bit systems just curious about
potential problems.

What benefits? The major benefit is that if you run 64-bit
applications, your computer will run faster. But since there are very
few 64-bit applications yet, most people will see little or no
benefit.

 

[John John (MVP)]

(Crossposted to 64-bit newsgroup, where the 64-bit experts will be
better able to answer your questions).

There is no upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit, it will have to be a clean
install.

John

 

[Leonard Grey]

Besides the issue of 64-bit drivers, which others have mentioned, you
need to check if software you are now using or want to use will run on
64-bit OS. Most will do fine, but some 32-bit applications won't run on
a 64-bit OS (Dragon Naturally Speaking is one.)

I believe you'll need new versions (if they exist) of most low-level
programs, such as anti-malware software and disk utilities.

In Vista x64, at least, any driver that is not properly signed will fail
to load. Think how many times you have ignored that warning that a
certain hardware driver is not signed. With vista x64, it will not work.
I do not know if there is a workaround.

Very little x64-aware software currently exists. If there is a
particular x64 application that would like to work with you do get a
nice performance boost. There's no doubt that 64-bit software is the
future. But for now, I think, it's a little soon to be moving to 64-bit
Windows.

 

[Vic Baron]

OK - all of you make sense. Since I have a few spare systems sitting around,
I think I may clean one out just for some testing and leave my main system
alone. Appears that it might be too soon for any real benefits of a switch.

John - thanx for the headsup on the 64 bit group - should have checked first

 

[Carlos]

Hi,
No upgrade is possible, only way is a fresh install.
But befor doing that, you really want to do your homework first!
1.- Identify all the hardware inside your PC.
2.- Get the latest XP x64 drivers for that hardware.
3.- Identify all the software you intend to use.
4.- Check the software manufacturer's page and verify its compatibility in
64-bit environments. Generally speaking, all 32-bit programs will work in a
64-bit OS unless...
a- they have a 16-bit installer
b- they need a 32-bit driver

Carlos